Capturing autonomy, competence, and relatedness at work: further examining and validating an English language version of the work-related basic need satisfaction scale
Self-Determination Theory (SDT) maintains that the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness is associated with optimal individual functioning, including in the workplace. A self-report instrument, the Work-related Basic Need Satisfaction scale (W-BNS),...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2024-10-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1304309/full |
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| Summary: | Self-Determination Theory (SDT) maintains that the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness is associated with optimal individual functioning, including in the workplace. A self-report instrument, the Work-related Basic Need Satisfaction scale (W-BNS), has previously been developed and validated in Dutch and Italian. We aimed to validate an English version of the W-BNS. We also evaluated a bifactor model to assess the extent to which the item responses could be explained by a single, underlying general latent trait. A Rasch calibration was also carried out to assess the extent to which the scores conformed to the assumptions of ‘fundamental measurement’ and could be converted to a common metric. We used data from 141 staff employed by a large UK-based mental health service provider. The postulated three-factor structure provided a good fit to the data. However, a bifactor model, introducing an underlying general factor, provided a superior fit. The items generally conformed to the Rasch measurement model. Evidence of convergent/divergent validity was observed via the correlations between the W-BNS scores and those for the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNFS). Regarding construct validity, both the separate needs and total W-BNS scores statistically significantly predicted an individual’s reported intention to leave the current employer. Our findings foster research with the WBNS and have implications for how the W-BNS is optimally implemented in practice as a useful brief tool for assessing staff work-related need satisfaction. |
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| ISSN: | 1664-1078 |